Tourism Department, Leh organised a two-day Vibrant Village Program on September 11-12 at Chushul village.

The event was graced by Councillor, Chushul constituency, Konchok Stanzin, as chief guest, and Colonel Vishal Sharma, Commanding Officer of 6 SIKH LI, Chushul, as guest of honor.

Distinguished guests from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, including Sandeep Shukla, Assistant Director; Sanjay Kumar; Tourist Information Officer; Naresh Vats, Media Person, as well as officers from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and representatives from the Adventure

Tour Operator Association of India (ATOAI) was also present.

Yuva Tourism Club was formed at the Government High School in Chushul. This initiative aims to foster interest, awareness, and a sense of responsibility among children and youth towards the natural and cultural heritage of tourism in the Chushul region.

On the first day, under the theme of ‘Community Empowerment and Upliftment’ as part of the Travel for Life Program, Tourism department Leh organised training sessions for homestay owners in Chushul and neighboring villages conducted by experts from the Food Craft Institute in Leh.

The second day featured various stalls that showcased the nomadic lifestyle of Changthang, displayed in their traditional nomadic (Changpa) tents made from yak wool. The stalls featured a range of items, including cuisines, pashmina products, and yak-related goods.

The program emphasized on the importance of preserving the rich culture and nomadic lifestyle of Changthang. Workshops were also conducted to engage local youth in activities towards the preservation of nomadic culture and the promotion of tourism.

Around 70 enthusiastic students from the Government High School in Chushul actively participated in the Yuva Tourism Club workshop, showcasing their keen interest in the tourism industry and their commitment to making positive contributions to their community.

This Vibrant Village Program in Chushul served as a platform to celebrate the cultural diversity and heritage of the region while encouraging the active involvement of the local community, particularly the youth, in the promotion and preservation of their unique way of life.